Trouble for Hundred 2025 as English players consider boycott over vague ECB NOC policy

The ECB's new policy to prevent players from participating in global franchise leagues apart from IPL has sparked tensions between the board and its players. It is being reported that a group of English players are threatening to boycott next year's Hundred if the policy fails to change in the near future.

The players have raised it as a nuclear option with their agents, and in crisis talks with the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA), but so far the PCA has refrained from making further comments on this matter.

What is all the fuss regarding ECB's NOC policy?

English players are required to obtain a NOC in order to participate in global franchise limited-overs tournaments. With the ECB's new NOC policy coming into effect this week, players have been left scrambling for clarification.

Experts suggest that the wording of the policy is not believed to be in line with the details briefed by the ECB. Moreover, the limited consultation with the PCA before its publication, further adds fuel to fire.

An estimated 40-50 English players have conveyed their frustration to the PCA and suggested potential steps to come to a resolution. Some of the steps included the idea of a collective policy of non-engagement with the Hundred's retention process, which is expected to begin imminently and run until late February.

What's in store for ECB and its players?

Although the English players are visibly upset with ECB's latest NOC policy, such a practice in reality may seem far-fetched. For one thing, the ECB have approved a pay rise for the 2025 edition of the Hundred and that figure is supposed to surge a lot higher once deals with the private investors are signed off.

Secondly, the group of players who have voiced their concerns are mostly not the ones on England's central contract. However, a handful few have been featured in the Hundred's higher earners last year.

Before deciding on its own course of action, the PCA is awaiting legal counsel, and a number of players are seeking clarification on whether they will be given NOCs to fulfill long-standing obligations over the winter.